Conversations of Inspiration

Jeanette AurdalFounder of The Oak & Rope CompanyOn finding success being who you were always meant to be Want to know how Jeanette Aurdal made the transition from being a passionate hobbyist to building a thriving brand, celebrated for its handcrafted creations? Jeanette shares how a fire that reduced her business to ashes was both her darkest moment and greatest springboard — helping her evolve into exactly who she was meant to be.WHY YOU WILL ENJOY THIS EPISODE Find out how sometimes, in the process of building and rebuilding, you are able to become your true self  Learn how life’s greatest challenges can provide a fresh foundation from which opportunity can blossom Jeanette’s story is a beacon of light for any founders (or potential founders) on a small business journey  If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Sophie Sellu, founder of Grain & Knot.Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business finds and inspiration, nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus exclusive offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

Inspired by her Indian heritage, Vanita founded her business after noticing a gap in the market for convenient, quality brow services. In doing so, she not only brought an ancient beauty technique to the 21st century, but also disrupted a whole industry. Hear how she’s ‘raised eyebrows’…WHY YOU WILL ENJOY THIS EPISODE Hear how Vanita’s heritage, the influence of London and her creative centre, all merged to create Blink Brow Bar Gain insight into using life’s toughest moments as a source for growth Discover how Vanita’s commitment to brand was central to building a premium beauty offering  If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Kanya King CBE, founder of the MOBO Awards.Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business finds and inspiration, nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus exclusive offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice. 

At just 17 years old, Henry had a serious diving accident which left him paralysed from the neck down. Finding himself trapped between a past he no longer recognised and a future he couldn't imagine, Henry shares how he found the mental resilience to overcome the darkest of times, to discover a life filled with light.WHY YOU WILL ENJOY THIS EPISODE Discover how it was possible for Henry to find not just happiness, but gratitude when everything he thought was going to be, no longer was Hear how accepting and embracing all emotions can help in life’s most challenging moments Learn how Henry has truly come to believe that in fact ‘any day can be a good day' If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Rob & Paul Forkin, the founders of Gandys.Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business finds and inspiration, nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus exclusive offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice. 

Joanna Jensen launched Childs Farm fuelled by a wish to help her daughters’ eczema-prone skin. Her story is one of entrepreneurship, determination and the strength of a mother’s love. From agonising challenges such as divorce, losing her home and confronting illness, to achieving incredible success, Joanna’s journey is remarkable.WHY YOU WILL ENJOY THIS EPISODE You’ll hear how, through trusting the spark of an idea to help her daughters, Joanna found her life’s purpose Discover how her belief in Childs Farm kept Joanna going in the darkest of times  Joanna shares how her childhood fostered a belief that if you really want something to happen, you have to get up and do it yourself If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Paul Lindley OBE, founder of Ella’s Kitchen.Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business finds and inspiration, nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus exclusive offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice. 

Hailed as a retail genius, credited with transforming Topshop into a global fashion phenomenon and working wonders at Whistles, Jane began her career at the bottom of the ladder and honed her craft from the ground up with grit and creativity. Here, she shares how, in a world driven by data, instinct has been her guiding light.WHY YOU WILL ENJOY THIS EPISODE Discover the power of being emotionally connected and trusting your intuition. Hear how Jane was labelled a ‘difficult woman’ for having the courage of her convictions. Jane shares how confidence is not always innate but can be built from your successes. If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Bobbi Brown, founder of Bobbi Brown and Jones Road Beauty.Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business finds and inspiration, nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus exclusive offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice. 

Meredithe shares her journey from being a one-woman operation at the kitchen table to building an eternally joyful, internationally recognised, party accessories brand. Discover how, with ‘team’ at the heart of everything and a belief that imagination equals freedom, she retains the essence of what makes Meri Meri special.WHY YOU WILL ENJOY THIS EPISODE You’ll be inspired by a story of eternal optimism, determination and resilience. Hear the wisdom of a passionate entrepreneur, using the power of creativity to build a fun and joyful brand. Discover the importance of continually evolving your offering, and the true power of pivoting.

Karen Millen OBE started her iconic brand with £100 and 100 metres of cotton. Hear how she built and sold a thriving fashion empire against the odds — before being declared bankrupt and getting divorced. How did she learn to embrace her future once again and do what she loves? Find out here… WHY YOU WILL ENJOY THIS EPISODE Learn about getting comfortable with embracing failure and benefiting from its teachings.  Discover how it’s never too late to listen to your inner voice and follow your dreams. Hear about the grit and determination it takes to live your passion and build your own business. If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Trinny Woodall, founder of Trinny London. Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice. 

In this very special episode Holly is thrilled to sit down for a second time with Marcia Kilgore, the visionary founder of Beauty Pie, Soap & Glory, FitFlop and more, to share her inside knowledge on the real beauty industry and how it has changed in recent years.Recognising that there is a new generation of knowledgeable and savvy customers looking to shop with brands whose values are rooted in transparency and integrity, Marcia discusses the revealing report she’s commissioned that explores the ‘Question Everything’ economy.Marcia also shares her thoughts on female founders and the anti-ageing industry, and how as a beauty brand leader, she hopes to empower women to strive to be our best selves rather than succumbing to a generic, standardised idea of beauty.This is a conversation that celebrates women and female founders of all ages and it’s one that will leave you invigorated, enlightened and ready to embark on your own journey.If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Sahar Hashemi OBE, co-founder of Coffee Republic.Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice. 

“After breast cancer, you can’t get the old you back, not really. BUT you can build a new version of yourself; wiser, stronger, less fearful, more joyful, more aware, more compassionate and with a greater sense of purpose.” These are the words of Rosamund Dean, journalist, author, breast cancer survivor and also Holly’s incredible guest this week. Rosamund’s vulnerability in sharing her experiences so openly is helping countless other women to navigate their own path with this disease, and to be more aware of their wellness, at a time when cancer in the under 50s is rising globally. In this episode, Rosamund talks to Holly about the journey she has been on to rebuild her body, mind and life, and shares the highs and lows along the way. Rosamund also explains how she has navigated the world of medical treatment and surgery, and of how her experiences have not only shaped her perspective, but also her as a person. This is an episode not to be missed — full of soulful words of wisdom that will resonate with anyone who loves life and wants to seize the day. Please note that this episode contains discussion around cancer.  If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Kristin Hallenga, founder of Coppafeel. Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice. 

Meet Alex Wright and Jack Scott, founders of DASH Water, a soft drinks brand that is making a difference, one wonky lemon and one curly cucumber at a time. This episode is packed full of insights from two entrepreneurs who are on a mission to disrupt an industry and make an impact. Growing up with farming backgrounds, both Alex and Jack saw first-hand the monumental waste of bruised and misshapen fruit and vegetables. Believing they could do things differently, they set about infusing their sparkling water with wonky fruit that would otherwise have gone to waste.A certified B Corp, DASH Water is a brand that has disrupted the beverage industry, taking on the soft drinks giants and offering a new generation of customers a healthy and sustainable alternative.Alex and Jack’s story is one of entrepreneurial passion and purpose and of how having strong core values and social responsibility within your business can not only keep you on track but can help you drive positive change in the world.If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Sebastian Pole, co-founder of Pukka Tea and Pip Murray founder of Pip & Nut.Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.